BYU is getting some good news heading into one of its toughest games of the season. Starting running back LJ Martin is expected to be available for Saturday’s road trip to Lubbock, where the Cougars will face off against No. 9 Texas Tech.
Martin practiced on Monday and looked like his usual self, according to reports out of Provo. He’s been dealing with an upper-body injury that limited him in recent weeks, but early signs point to him suiting up and being a full go this weekend. That’s a big deal for BYU, because Martin is the guy who keeps their offense on schedule. He leads the team in rushing with 789 yards and has been the most consistent weapon in the backfield all year.
Getting him back couldn’t come at a better time. BYU is walking into a hostile environment against one of the best defenses in the Big 12, and they’ll need every bit of firepower they can get. Texas Tech has looked like a complete team on both sides of the ball, and if you’re going to pull an upset on the road, you’d better be able to run it and keep their offense off the field. That’s where Martin comes in.
When he’s in the lineup, BYU can lean on the run game and avoid putting too much on Bear Bachmeier’s plate, while forcing the defense to highlight both. That balance is what’s made the Cougars a tough out in conference play so far. Without Martin, they lose some of that identity.
This is also the kind of game that could take BYU’s season from good to great. It’s no secret that we’re nearing the College Football Playoff rankings release, and another signature win over an elite squad on the road would go a long way.
We’ll see how healthy Martin really is when kickoff rolls around, but right now, all signs point to him being ready. And if he’s good to go, BYU’s offense is going to look a whole lot more dangerous.
